Starting from $15,600

Summer comes to South Georgia’s remote, untamed landscape like a freight train. Famed for its abandoned whaling stations and Shackleton’s heroic journey, South Georgia is home to millions of fur seals and penguins, wallows of elephant seals, and nesting albatross. Retracing Shackleton’s boat voyage, we visit Elephant Island before continuing south along the Antarctic Peninsula. Days remain long and filled with humpback and minke whales, penguins and leopard seals.

Rates & Dates Prices are per person and shown in USD.

Itinerary

Embark in Ushuaia, Argentina in the late afternoon to a warm welcome before we set sail along the Beagle Channel.

Days 2 to 3 – Drake Passage

Drake Passage offers excellent bird watching from the outer decks or the warm bridge. Our expedition team presents Zodiac and environmental briefings, and enlightening talks on Antarctica. Keen eyes watch for icebergs, penguins, seals and cormorants as we approach our first landing in the South Shetland Islands.

Days 4 to 7 – Antarctic Peninsula

Awaken to the thrill of Antarctica, where we plan to visit busy penguin rookeries, historic sites and make a continental landing. A host of choices are now open to us and depending on the ice and weather conditions the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula is ours to explore. Our experienced leaders, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design our voyage from day to day. This allows us to make best use of the prevailing weather and ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. We will use daylight hours as vigorously as possible to make the most of our day.

Day 8 – Elephant Island

Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s men wintered beneath their upturned boats. With luck and weather permitting we will go ashore to pay tribute to these hardy souls.

Days 9 to 10 – Scotia Sea

En route to South Georgia, we follow in Shackleton’s wake across the Scotia Sea, and reflect on what we’ve seen and learned so far.

Days 11 to 14 – South Georgia

We have ample time to explore South Georgia’s spectacular northern coast, including the world’s largest king penguin rookeries and majestic albatross nests. Kayakers revel in paddling the coastline’s nooks and crannies, accompanied by playful seals. In Stromness and Grytviken harbours, 3000-metre peaks form dramatic backdrops to the remains of whaling stations. Kelp-strewn beaches are cluttered with basking elephant seals, feisty fur seals and penguins.

Days 15 to 17 – Scotia Sea

Keeping watch for the kelp-skirted Shag Rocks, we cross the Scotia Sea, entertained by our expert naturalist and historian.

Day 18 – Falkland Islands/Malvinas

Dawn greets us in the Falkland Islands/Maldivas capital, Stanley; where we bid farewell to Polar Pioneer. You have the option of either spending more time exploring the Falkland Islands or continuing on to Punta Arenas or Santiago, Chile.

The ship's "open bridge policy" allows observation of its sophisticated navigation equipment and provides an excellent location to view wildlife the landscape (subject to weather and critical navigation maneuvers)

Expert lecturers and naturalist guides

Included

Accommodation during the voyage

All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during the voyage

All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises

Educational lectures and guiding services from our expert team

Access to our on board doctor and basic medical services

Loan of rubber boots during the voyage

Daily cabin service

Comprehensive pre-departure information

Professionally produced electronic voyage journal

Port taxes and charges

Adventure Options

Kayaking: $1,325 per person

Snowshoeing in Antarctica: $250 per person (only available in 2017/2018)

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the nature of expedition cruising, itineraries are subject to change due to weather, ice conditions, natural and cultural events, wildlife viewing opportunities and other logistical considerations. In general, a ship's crew will endeavor to complete the itinerary provided, but the ultimate decision lies with the ship's captain and expedition leaders.